Novo Nordisk Shares Plunge 5.92 as $2.43B Volume Ranks 39th in U.S. Trading Amid HSBC Downgrade and Obesity Drug Challenges

On July 31, 2025, Novo Nordisk (NVO) closed at a 5.92% decline, with a trading volume of $2.43 billion, marking a 27.08% drop from the previous day’s volume. The stock ranked 39th in trading activity among U.S. equities. The move followed a downgrade from HSBC, which cut its rating to Hold from Buy, citing unmet expectations regarding the company’s ability to reclaim market share in the obesity drug sector. Analysts highlighted ongoing challenges from illegal compounded GLP-1 drugs in the U.S., with no immediate resolution expected.

Compounding pressures extended to Novo’s own guidance, as the firm revised its 2025 sales growth forecast downward. The new range of 8-14% fell below earlier projections of 13-21%, attributed to persistent compounded drug use, slower U.S. market expansion, and competitive dynamics. The adjustment coincided with the announcement of a new CEO, compounding uncertainty for investors. Over the past year, NVO shares have lost more than 60% of their value, reflecting broader concerns about the company’s growth trajectory.

Despite the bearish sentiment, some analysts argue the stock may represent a long-term opportunity. A prominent investor emphasized Novo’s strong fundamentals in diabetes and obesity care, noting ongoing progress in developing an oral semaglutide treatment pending FDA approval. The strategy of purchasing high-volume stocks and holding for one day yielded a 166.71% return from 2022 to the present, outperforming the benchmark by 137.53%. The success underscores the role of liquidity-driven momentum, though the approach’s reliance on market structure remains subject to change over time.